Methods and apparatus for isolating platelets from blood

ABSTRACT

A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

CROSS-REFRENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/108,387 filed Apr. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,346, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10/176,272 filed Jun. 18, 2002, abandoned, which claims benefit of Provisional Applications 60/377,559 filed May 3, 2002; 60/379,951 filed May 10, 2002; and 60/382,639 filed May 21, 2002.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention concerns apparatuses and methods for rapid fractionation of blood into erythrocyte, plasma and platelet fractions. Each fraction may be put to use or returned to the blood donor. Useful high concentration platelet fractions have platelet concentrations in excess of two times the concentration in anti-coagulated whole blood before processing of greater than 2×10⁶ platelet/μL. The invention has particular value for rapid preparation of autologous concentrated platelet fractions to help or speed healing.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Blood may be fractionated and the different fractions of the blood used for different medical needs. For instance, anemia (low erythrocyte levels) may be treated with infusions of erythrocytes. Thrombocytopenia (low thrombocyte (platelet) levels) may be treated with infusions of platelet concentrate.

Under the influence of gravity or centrifugal force, blood spontaneously sediments into three layers. At equilibrium the top, low-density layer is a straw-colored clear fluid called plasma. Plasma is a water solution of salts, metabolites, peptides, and many proteins ranging from small (insulin) to very large (complement components). Plasma per se has limited use in medicine but may be further fractionated to yield proteins used, for instance, to treat hemophilia (factor VIII) or as a hemostatic agent (fibrinogen).

The bottom, high-density layer is a deep red viscous fluid comprising anuclear red blood cells (erythrocytes) specialized for oxygen transport. The red color is imparted by a high concentration of chelated iron or heme that is responsible for the erythrocytes high specific gravity. Packed erythrocytes, matched for blood type, are useful for treatment of anemia caused by, e.g., bleeding. The relative volume of whole blood that consists of erythrocytes is called the hematocrit, and in normal human beings can range from about 38% to about 54%.

The intermediate layer is the smallest, appearing as a thin white band on top the erythrocyte layer and below the plasma, and is called the buffy coat. The buffy coat itself has two major components, nucleated leukocytes (white blood cells) and anuclear smaller bodies called platelets (or thrombocytes). Leukocytes confer immunity and contribute to debris scavenging. Platelets seal ruptures in the blood vessels to stop bleeding and deliver growth and wound healing factors to the wound site.

Extraction of Platelets

Extraction of platelets from whole blood has been reviewed (Pietersz 2000). In transfusion medicine the intention is to transfuse each patient only with the component that is needed, so the aim of blood centers is to manufacture blood components as pure as possible, that is with the least contaminating cells. Platelets are the most difficult to isolate and purify. Based on data from Pietersz (2000), even under optimal conditions of centrifugation (long time at low speed), a significant fraction of platelets remain trapped within the sedimented erythrocytes.

Through the years centrifugation methods have been developed to separate the platelets from red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma. These methods separate the components both in plastic bag systems and in apheresis devices, and more recently in specialized apparatuses. Historically most platelet concentrates have been harvested from donors and used to treat thrombocytopenia, i.e., allogenically. More recently the platelet concentrates have been used to promote wound healing, and the use of autologous platelet concentrates (sequestration of platelets for treatment of the platelet donor) has grown.

The sedimentation of the various blood cells and plasma is based on the different specific gravity of the cells and the viscosity of the medium. This may be accelerated by centrifugation according approximately to the Svedberg equation: V=((2/9)ω² R(d _(cells) −d _(plasma))r ²)/η_(t) where

-   V=sedimentation velocity, -   ω=angular velocity of rotation, -   R=radial distance of the blood cells to the center of the rotor, -   d=specific gravity, -   r=radius of the blood cells, -   η_(t)=viscosity of the medium at a temperature of t° C.     Characteristics of blood components are shown in the table.

Diameter Specific gravity Component (μm) (g/ml) Deformability Adhesion Red cells 5.4 1.100 +++ − Granulocytes 9.6 1.085 + ++ Lymphocytes 7.6 1.070 ± ± Monocytes 11.2 1.063 ± + Platelets 3.2 1.058 ± +++ Plasma NA 1.026 NA NA Additive NA 1.007 NA NA solution

When sedimented to equilibrium, the component with the highest specific gravity (density) eventually sediments to the bottom, and the lightest rises to the top. But the rate at which the components sediment is governed roughly by the Svedberg equation; the sedimentation rate is proportional to the square of the size of the component. In other words, at first larger components such as white cells sediment much faster than smaller components such as platelets; but eventually the layering of components is dominated by density.

Soft Spin Centrifugation

When whole blood is centrifuged at a low speed (up to 1,000 g) for a short time (two to four minutes) white cells sediment faster than red cells and both sediment much faster than platelets (per Svedberg equation above). At higher speeds the same distribution is obtained in a shorter time. This produces layers of blood components that are not cleanly separated and consist of (1) plasma containing the majority of the suspended platelets and a minor amount of white cells and red cells, and (2) below that a thick layer of red cells mixed with the majority of the white cells and some platelets. The method of harvesting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from whole blood is based on this principle. The term “platelet-rich” is used for this component because most of the platelets in the whole blood are in the plasma following slow centrifugation so the concentration of platelets in the plasma has increased. Centrifugal sedimentation that takes the fractionation only as far as separation into packed erythrocytes and PRP is called a “soft spin”. “Soft spin” is used herein to describe centrifugation conditions under which erythrocytes are sedimented but platelets remain in suspension. “Hard spin” is used herein to describe centrifugation conditions under which erythrocytes sediment and platelets sediment in a layer immediately above the layer of erythrocytes.

Two Spin Patelet Separation

Following a soft spin, the PRP can removed to a separate container from the erythrocyte layer, and in a second centrifugation step, the PRP may be fractioned into platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and platelet concentrate (PC). In the second spin the platelets are usually centrifuged to a pellet to be re-suspended later in a small amount of plasma.

In the most common method for PRP preparation, the centrifugation of whole blood for 2 to 4 min at 1,000 g to 2,500 g results in PRP containing the majority of the platelets. After the centrifugation of a unit (450 ml) of whole blood in a 3-bag system the PRP is transferred to an empty satellite bag and next given a hard spin to sediment the platelets and yield substantially cell-free plasma. Most of the platelet poor plasma (PPP) is removed except for about 50 ml and the pellet of platelets is loosened and mixed with this supernatant. Optionally one can remove about all plasma and reconstitute with additive solution. To allow aggregated platelets to recover the mixture is given a rest of one to two hours before platelets are again re-suspended and then stored on an agitator.

It is believed that centrifugation can damage the platelets by sedimenting the platelets against a solid, non-physiological surface. The packing onto such a surface induces partial activation and may cause physiological damage, producing “distressed” platelets which partially disintegrate upon resuspension.

Hard Spin Centrifugation

If the centrifugation is continued at a low speed the white cells will sediment on top of the red cells whereas the platelets will remain suspended in the plasma. Only after extended low speed centrifugation will the platelets also sediment on top of the red cells.

Experiments with a blood processor (deWit, 1975) showed that centrifugation at a high speed (2,000 g-3,000 g) produces a similar pattern of cell separation in a shorter time. Initially the cells separate according to size, i.e., white cells sediment faster than red cells and platelets remain in the plasma. Soon the red cells get ‘packed’ on each other squeezing out plasma and white cells. Because of their lower density, white cells and platelets are pushed upwards to the interface of red cells and plasma whereas the platelets in the upper plasma layer will sediment on top of this interface, provided the centrifugal force is sufficiently high and sedimentation time is sufficiently long. Plasma, platelets, white cells and red cells will finally be layered according to their density. Platelets sedimented atop a layer of red cells are less activated than those isolated by the “two spin” technique.

Platelet Yields and Centrifuge Speed

The so called “buffy coat” consists of the layers of platelets and white cells (leukocytes) but is usually harvested along with the lower part of the plasma layer and the upper layer of the red cell mass. In this application, all references to the platelet layer are intended to mean the platelet layer if no leukocytes are present or to the buffy coat layer when leucocytes are present mixed with the platelets.

The process and method of this invention can accomplish platelet isolation and collection with a wide range including both low and high centrifugation forces. Effective separation does not require a high g centrifugation; good results have been obtained with 600 g-1000 g or low speed centrifugation. High speed centrifugation refers to centrifugal forces greater than 2000 g. Experiments have shown that long (30-45 min) centrifugation at a force of about 700 g gives the most complete separation of whole blood into components. Such long times are not considered to be practical and economical for intra-operative autologous applications. For buffy coat separation one can spin 7 to 10 min at about 3,000 g to enable separation of whole blood into cell-free plasma, a buffy coat containing 60-70% of the white cells and 70-80% of the platelets, and red cells contaminated with approximately 30% of the white cells and 10-20% of the platelets.

Apheresis—Single Spin Platelet Separation

Specialized apparatuses have been invented to perform apheresis, the separation of platelets from blood while reinfusing the other components into the donor. This permits donors to give more platelets than possible with the two-step centrifugation because loss of erythrocytes limits the volume of blood that blood donors may give. Typically, a two to three hour apheresis procedure will produce a platelet product containing 3×10¹¹ platelets, equivalent to 6 or more conventional blood donations.

The first demonstration of a single-step method for preparation of platelet concentrates was reported more than 25 years ago (deWit 1975). In this first attempt complete separation between the different cellular components could not be achieved, at least not in one step because of considerable overlap in the presence of platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes in the fractions collected after different centrifugation times and speed. Many improved apheresis methods and devices have been developed and are described in cited patents.

In apheresis methods drawn blood is immediately mixed with an anticoagulant, centrifuged (Haemonetics, Baxter CS 3000 and Amicus, Cobe Spectra, Fresenius AS 104, AS 204), and separated into components according to density. The buffy coat is recognized by eye or by optical sensors and the platelet-rich layer is directed to a separate bag. Software of the various manufacturers has been adjusted to manufacture platelet concentrates without white cell contamination, some requiring additional filtration after the platelet harvest, others having special techniques or tools built into the apheresis systems.

Leukoreduction

The PC's resulting from both laboratory two spin processing and apheresis methods contain donor leukocytes. It was shown the white cells negatively affect platelet storage and may induce adverse effects after transfusion due to cytokine formation. Removal of leukocytes (leukoreduction) from PRP and PC is a major problem because non-self leukocytes (allogeneic leukocytes) and the cytokines they produce can cause a violent reaction by the recipient's leukocytes. In 1999 the FDA Blood Product Advisory Committee recommended routine leukoreduction of all non-leukocytes components in the US (Holme 2000). Therefore, much of the prior art focuses on leukoreduction of platelet concentrates because non-autologous leukocytes excite deleterious immune reactions. Since the process of this invention provides a convenient way to quickly harvest autologous platelets from the patient's blood, immune reactions are not a risk, and the presence of leukocytes is of little or no concern.

Autologous Platelets

Autologous platelets have been shown to have advantages in comparison with allogeneic platelets. Concerns about disease transmission and immunogenic reactions, which are associated with allogeneic or xenogeneic preparation, are minimized. The fact that an autologous preparation is prepared at the time of surgery reduces the risks associated with mislabeling a sample, which might occur through a laboratory system. The use of autologous platelets obviates the requirement for time-consuming screening tests. Platelet activation has less time to develop. Unlike stored platelets which become partially activated, the activation status of autologous platelets, when first produced, was found to be similar to that in the original whole blood (Crawther 2000).

Platelets may be used as an adjunct for wound healing. Knighton describes applying autologous platelet releasate to wounds to enhance healing (Knighton 1986). More recent studies use platelets themselves. Marx describes platelet preparations that dramatically accelerate bone healing following dental implant procedures (Marx 1998). Other researchers make similar claims for other medical procedures, for instance, treatment of macular holes (Gehring 1999), improved healing in cosmetic surgery (Man 2001), and use for hemostasis (Oz 1992).

In recent years devices originally invented to wash erythrocytes from shed blood (autotransfusion devices) have been adapted to permit separation of autologous platelets, usually intraoperatively. This procedure has the important advantage that autologous leukocytes cause no reaction from patient leukocytes because they are self leukocytes, so removal of leukocytes from PC's is no longer important. For example, sequestration of PRP reduces allogeneic transfusion in cardiac surgery (Stover 2000). Autotransfusion devices from a variety of manufacturers (e.g., ElectroMedics 500) can be used to make autologous platelet preparations with high platelet concentrations.

The autotransfusion equipment used to make autologous platelet concentrates requires a skilled operator and considerable time and expense. Most devices require a large prime volume of blood. The ElectroMedics 500 withdraws 400 to 450 ml of autologous whole blood through a central venous catheter placed during surgery. As it withdraws the blood the separator adds citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) to achieve anticoagulation. The blood is then centrifuged into its three basic components. The red blood cell layer forms at the lowest level, the platelet concentrate layer in a middle level, and the PPP layer at the top. The cell separator incrementally separates each layer, from the less dense to the more dense; therefore it separates PPP first (about 200 ml) and PC second (about 70 ml), leaving the residual red blood cells (about 180 ml). Once the PPP is removed, the centrifuge speed is lowered to 2400 RPM to allow for a precise separation of the PC from the red blood cells. In fact, the platelets most recently synthesized, and therefore of the greatest activity, are larger and mix with the upper 1 mm of red blood cells, so that this layer is included in the PRP product imparting a red tint.

Recently devices have been introduced which are specifically designed to make autologous platelet concentrates intraoperatively; for example the SmartPReP Autologous Platelet Concentrate System (Harvest Autologous Hemobiologics, Norwell, Mass.). It requires 90 to 180 cc of blood versus the 500 cc of blood used in most autotransfusion machines. In addition two other products are near market introduction, The PlasmaSeal device (PlasmaSeal, San Francisco, Calif.) and The Platelet Concentrate Collection System (Implant Innovations, Inc., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.). While these devices have somewhat reduced the cost and the time required, a skilled operator is required for the devices introduced to the market to date. Therefore, there remains a need for simple and fast automated methods and devices for making platelet concentrates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for simple and fast preparation of autologous platelet concentrates from whole anti-coagulated blood.

This discussion includes numerous descriptions of events within the spinning rotor. Within the frame of reference of the rotor, the effects of gravity are minimal compared with centrifugal force. Therefore within the rotor, “top” means the end of the tube closer to the axis and “bottom” means the end of the tube closer to the perimeter of the rotor.

Another aspect of the present invention is that platelets are not aggregated by pelleting against a surface.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a float having a density less than the density of the erythrocytes and greater than that of whole blood which rises through the mixture as the erythrocyte sediment during centrifugation, gently disrupting the erythrocytes to free trapped platelets, thus greatly increasing the platelet yield.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the apparatuses may be completely automated and require no user intervention between, first, loading and actuating the device and, second, retrieving the platelet concentrate.

Another aspect of the present invention is that different quantities of blood may be processed by the same apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is that bloods of different hematocrits and different plasma densities may be processed by the same apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the concentration of platelets in the product may be varied by need.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the processing includes only a single centrifugation step.

Another aspect of the present invention is that the processing is rapid.

The float collector blood platelet separation device of this invention comprises a centrifugal spin-separator container having a separation chamber cavity with a longitudinal inner surface. A float is positioned within the cavity, the float having a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, and an outer surface. The distance between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the cavity can be 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm and optimally less than 0.03 mm. The float has a density less than the density of erythrocytes and greater than the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it immediately below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in fully separated blood. The cavity can have a cylindrical inner surface and the float has a complementary cylindrical outer surface.

In one embodiment, the device includes a flexible inner tube, and a float is positioned within the flexible inner tube. The float has an outer surface in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the flexible tube in a neutral pressure condition, the sealing engagement preventing movement of fluid between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the flexible tube in the neutral pressure condition. The outer surface of the float disengages from contact with the inner surface of the flexible tube in an elevated pressure condition, thus enabling movement of fluid between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the flexible tube in the elevated pressure condition as well as free movement of the float within the tube. The float has a platelet receptor cavity positioned to be at the position of platelets in separated blood after centrifugation. The float has a channel communicating with the platelet receptor cavity for removing separated platelets therefrom after centrifugation. In one configuration, the float comprises a proximal segment having a distal surface and a distal segment having a proximal surface opposed to the distal surface, the distal surface and the proximal surfaces defining the platelet receptor cavity. Preferably, the outer container includes a port for introducing blood into the inner tube at the beginning of a platelet separation process and for removing platelets from the platelet cavity within the inner tube at the end of the platelet separation process. Optionally, the port includes a syringe coupling Luer locking device. The outer container can have an inner surface for restraining expansion of the inner tube during centrifugation.

In a still further embodiment, the centrifugal spin-separator is a substantially rigid tube, and the float comprises a proximal segment having a distal surface, and a distal segment having a proximal surface opposed to the distal surface, the distal surface and the proximal surfaces defining the platelet receptor cavity. This cavity has a surface which is a platelet collection surface. The outer surface of the float is preferably in sliding engagement with the inner surface of the cavity.

The term “platelet collection surface”, as used herein, is defined to mean a surface which provides support to the platelet or buffy coat layer. Preferably, the platelet layer is not in direct contact with the support layer to protect the platelets, and optimally, the platelets are sedimented on a thin buffer or cushion layer of erythrocytes resting on the platelet collection surface.

In another embodiment, a top surface of the float constitutes a platelet collection surface. In this form, the device may include a plunger positioned above the float and substantially axially concentric with the float and the cavity, the optional plunger having a cylindrical outer surface which is spaced from a complementary cylindrical inner surface of the tube. The space can be so small as to provide an effective liquid seal between the surfaces, or if the space is larger, at least one seal can be provided between the outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the cavity, the seal being positioned in sealing engagement with the outer and inner surfaces. Optionally, the bottom of the plunger has a plasma expressing surface opposed to the platelet collection surface; and a fluid removal passageway extends through the plunger and the plasma expressing surface into the platelet receptor cavity. Preferably, the top of the float includes a stop surface extending above the plasma collection surface.

The process of this invention for separating platelets from whole blood with the above devices comprises the steps of first introducing an amount of whole blood into the cavity, the amount of whole blood being sufficient, following centrifugation, to elevate the float above the floor of the separation chamber and position the platelet collection surface immediately below the level of platelets. The separation chamber is the cavity within which the blood is separated into erythrocyte, plasma and platelet (buffy coat) layers. The centrifugal spin-separator container is subjected to centrifugation forces in the axial direction toward the distal end, whereby erythrocytes are caused to concentrate at the distal end, plasma to collect toward the proximal end, and platelets to collect on the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface.

When the device includes a plunger positioned above the float and substantially axially concentric with the float and the cavity, process of this invention comprises the steps of introducing an amount of whole blood into the cavity, the amount of whole blood being sufficient to position the level of platelets following centrifugation at the position of the platelet collection surface. The centrifugal spin-separator container is then subjected to centrifugation forces in the axial direction toward the distal end, whereby blood cells are caused to concentrate at the distal end, plasma to collect toward the proximal end, and platelets to collect closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. The plunger is then advanced in an axial direction against the top of the plasma until the plasma expressing surface is positioned closely adjacent the platelet collection surface and spaced apart therefrom. A platelet extraction tube is extended through the fluid removal passageway until the end thereof contacts the platelet layer, and a platelet concentrate is removed through the platelet extraction tube. Optionally, platelet poor plasma can be collected through the platelet extraction tube into a syringe or other receptacle while the plunger is being depressed. Platelets can then be extracted into a separate syringe or other receptacle.

Optionally, the device can lack a plunger arrangement. In this embodiment, platelets are removed from the platelet collection surface suspended in a small volume of plasma retained after first removing a volume of platelet poor plasma from above the sedimented platelet layer.

With embodiments of the device wherein the top of the float includes a stop surface positioned above the plasma collection surface, the plunger is advanced in an axial direction until the plasma expressing surface contacts the stop surface.

With devices having a float in a flexible tube, the process comprises the steps of introducing an amount of whole blood into the inner tube, the amount of whole blood being sufficient, following centrifugation, to elevate the float above the floor of the separation chamber and position the platelet collection surface immediately below the level of platelets. The tube is then subjected to centrifugation forces in the axial direction toward the distal end, whereby blood cells are caused to concentrate at the distal end, plasma to collect at the proximal end, and platelets to collect at a level closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the annular platelet receptor cavity.

When the top surface of the float constitutes the platelet collection surface, the device optionally includes a plunger positioned above the float and substantially axially concentric with the float and the cavity. The plunger has a cylindrical outer surface which is spaced from the inner surface of the cavity; the bottom of the plunger defining a plasma expressing surface opposed to a platelet collection surface. A fluid removal passageway extends through the plunger to the plasma expressing surface. With this embodiment, the process includes the additional step of moving the plunger toward the float until the plasma expressing surface is closely adjacent the platelet layer, and platelets are then removed through the fluid removal passageway. In this embodiment, plasma is expressed through the fluid removal passageway as the plunger is moved toward the float.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a separation device of this invention.

FIG. 2 shows device of FIG. 1 wherein the plunger of the syringe is elevated, and the syringe barrel is filled with blood.

FIG. 3 shows device of FIG. 1 after the plunger is depressed to a position forcing the blood into the inner tube.

FIG. 4 shows device of FIG. 1 after a portion of the blood has passed between float and the inner tube, filling the bottom of the inner tube.

FIG. 5 shows device of FIG. 1 after the blood has separated into the erythrocyte fraction within which the float rests, the plasma fraction above the float, and the buffy coat or platelet layer in the receptor cavity.

FIG. 6 shows device of FIG. 1 after a fresh syringe has been connected to the Luer port.

FIG. 7 shows device of FIG. 1 with the syringe plunger elevated after drawing platelets from the receptor cavity into the barrel of the syringe.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an alternative float design for the separation device of FIG. 1, the bottom of the float having a hemispherical shape.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plunger-float embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after introduction of anticoagulated blood into the separation chamber.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after centrifugal separation of the blood into erythrocyte, plasma and platelet layers.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after insertion of a syringe needle.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after depression of the plunger to a level which abuts the float stop.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram view of an alternate embodiment related to the embodiment of FIG. 9 showing the introduction of blood through a separate fill port of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a still further alternate embodiment of a plunger-float device of this invention, including a flexible snorkel tube fixed to the cap.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plunger-float embodiment of the invention after centrifugation and before removal of the platelet layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is a blood platelet separation device with several embodiments. All of the embodiments comprise a centrifugal spin-separator container having a cavity with a longitudinal inner surface. A float is positioned within the cavity. The float has a base and a platelet collection surface above the base. The float has an outer surface. In general, the distance between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the cavity can be less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm and optimally less than 0.03 mm. For embodiments with a flexible tube, the surfaces can be in contact. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it immediately below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in fully separated blood.

Patient blood may be obtained by a phlebotomy needle or central vein cannula or other whole blood collection means. The blood is immediately mixed with anticoagulant, such as ACD-A or heparin.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a separation device of this invention. The blood platelet collection device of this embodiment comprises a flexible inner tube 2 having an inner surface 4 and a float 6 positioned within the flexible inner tube. The float has an outer surface 8 in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the flexible tube when the tube is under neutral pressure. In this condition, the sealing engagement prevents movement of fluid between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the flexible tube.

The outer surface 8 of the float 6 disengages from contact with the inner surface 4 of the flexible tube 2 when the pressure in the flexible tube is elevated under centrifugation. This enables movement of fluid between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of flexible tube as well as free movement of the float within the tube.

The float has a platelet receptor cavity 10 with a platelet collection surface 16 in a position to immediately below the level of platelets in separated blood following centrifugation. The float 6 has a platelet collection channel 11 and a platelet withdrawal channel 12 communicating with the platelet receptor cavity 10 for removing separated platelets after centrifugation.

The float 6 comprises a proximal segment 13 having a distal surface 14 and a distal segment 15 not having proximal surface 16 opposed to the distal surface 14. The distal surface 14 and proximal surface 16 define the platelet receptor cavity 10. The float 6 has a specific gravity that is less then the specific gravity of erythrocytes and greater than the specific gravity of plasma such that at equilibrium the buffy coat platelet layer is sequestered between the upper and lower members of the float. For optimum platelet recovery, it is critical that the float rise from the bottom of the tube as the erythrocytes sediment. This requires that the float have a density greater than whole blood.

The platelet collection device of this embodiment includes a substantially inflexible outer container 18 enclosing the inner tube 2. The inner surface 22 of the outer container 18 limits expansion of the inner tube as the pressure in the inner tube 2 increases during centrifugation.

The outer container includes a port 20 for introducing blood into the inner tube at the beginning of the platelet separation process and for removing platelets from the platelet receptor cavity 10 through channels 11 and 12 at the end of the platelet separation process. The port can be provided with a Luer lock device for coupling with a loading syringe and with a platelet removal syringe.

Vent channel 17 vents air upward through channel 12 as blood is introduced into the separation channel 19.

In this embodiment, the needle or small tube 23 is preferably fixed to the Luer lock device 20. The tube 23 has an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the channel 12 to enable it to slide freely in the channel 12 as the float 6 rises during centrifugation.

The device of this invention can be used in a simple operation to produce platelets. It involves the collection of blood containing an anticoagulant such as heparin, citrate or EDTA in a syringe; filling the separation tubes with the anti-coagulated blood from the syringe; centrifugation to separate the blood into erythrocyte, plasma and platelet buffy coat fractions; and removal of the platelets buffy coat fraction with another syringe.

The float can be made of two cones, the bases thereof optionally concave. The separation chamber cavity preferably has a concave bottom which mirrors the shape of the lower cone so that when the buoy is in its initial state, resting at the bottom of the cavity, there is a small space between the bottom of the lower buoy and the bottom of the cavity. The flexible tube 2 is preferably an elastomer sleeve having an inner diameter which is smaller than the greatest outer diameter of the float so that it holds the float firmly in place. The outer diameter of the flexible tube 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the rigid cylinder 18 so that a space exists between the inner tube and the rigid cylinder. Small particles such as smooth spheres, e.g., ball bearings, can be provided in the space between the two cones to disperse platelets in the platelet buffy coat layer. The channel 12 terminates slightly above the base of float 6. A sterile vent 21 allows air to pass in and out of the device.

FIGS. 2-7 are sequential schematic cross-sectional drawings of the device of this invention at the different phases of the separation process.

FIG. 2 shows the plunger 24 of the syringe 26 elevated, and the syringe barrel 28 is filled with blood 30.

FIG. 3 shows the plunger 24 depressed to a position forcing the blood 30 into the inner tube 2.

FIG. 4 shows the position after a portion of the blood 30 passes between float and the inner tube 2 during centrifugation, filling the bottom 32 of the inner tube.

FIG. 5 shows the blood components after centrifugation for a sufficient time to separate the blood components into the erythrocyte fraction 34 in which the float 6 floats, the plasma fraction 36 above the float 6, and the buffy coat or platelet layer 38 in the receptor cavity 10. Upon cessation of centrifugation, the blood remains fractionated into its three components, and the position of these components remains the same relative to the float. No longer under pressure produced by centrifugal force, the elastomer sleeve 2 has shrunk away from rigid cylinder 18 and locks the buoy in place.

Surprisingly, with the current invention, a much smaller fraction of platelets remain associated with the erythrocyte pack, making higher yields of sequestered platelets possible. The float rising from the bottom of the device as erythrocytes sediment fluidizes the erythrocyte pack to release the platelets so they more readily rise to combine with the buffy coat.

If resuspension particles are present in the platelet receptor, the entire device can be shaken or rotated so that the particles tumble around within the space between the two cones, disrupting and mixing the buffy coat into a homogeneous suspension. Alternatively, the platelets can be re-suspended by jetting in and out of the platelet-containing compartment with the collection syringe. Alternatively, an air bubble can be trapped within or introduced into the platelet-containing compartment, and the platelets can be re-suspended by shaking, inverting or rolling the device. The suspended buffy coat is then withdrawn though the Lehr 20. The removed volume is displaced by air which enters the device through vent 21.

FIG. 6 shows the device with a fresh syringe 40 locked to the Luer port 20.

FIG. 7 shows the syringe plunger 42 elevated after drawing platelets 46 from above the platelet collection surface 16 in the receptor cavity 10 into the barrel 44 of the syringe. The suspended platelet layer has been withdrawn through the Luer 20. The removed volume is replaced by air which enters the device through a sterile vent 21 and further into the platelet receptor 10. The syringe 40 containing the platelets 46 is then removed for provision of the platelets to the physician treating a patient (not shown).

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the float component 90 with a platelet receptor 92, a vent channel 93 extending to the interior of the collection tube 96, and a platelet drainage channel 94 extending from the platelet receptor 92 to the interior of collection tube 96. This embodiment has a hemispherical bottom 98. The cylinder preferably has a concave bottom which mirrors the hemispherical bottom 98 so that when the buoy is in its initial state, resting near the bottom of the cylinder, space between the float and bottom are minimized. The projection 97 extending from the bottom of the hemispherical bottom 98 insures that a space is maintained between the bottom of the lower buoy and the bottom of the cylinder to prevent vacuum sticking of the float to the bottom of the tube.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plunger-float embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an axially concentric float 100 and plunger 102 are contained within the central cavity 103 of the rigid tube or cylinder 104 with a cap 106. The cap 106 has a vent hole 108 for permitting movement of air into and out of the tube when blood is added or platelets are removed. It includes a Luer port 110 for receiving a needle or tube used for introducing blood into the cylinder and for removing fluid from the cylinder.

The float 100 has a bottom surface 112 with a projecting spacer 113 which rests on the bottom 114 of the tube before anti-coagulated blood is introduced into the separator. The float has an upper surface 115 which is positioned to be immediately below the layer of platelets in separated blood. The upper structure of the float includes a projection 116, the top edge 118 of which acts as a stop to limit downward movement of the plunger 102 during the process. A platelet collection channel 120 is positioned in the center of the float. Platelet drainage channels 122 extend from the level of the surface 115 to the interior of the platelet collection channel 120.

The float 100 has a density less than separated erythrocytes and greater than plasma so that it will float on the erythrocyte layer at a level which places the platelet collection surface 115 immediately below the platelet layer when the blood is separated into its components. For optimum platelet recovery, it is critical that the float rise from the bottom of the tube as the erythrocytes sediment. This requires that the float have a density greater than whole blood.

The plunger 102 optionally can have an outer surface 124 which is spaced from the inner surface 126 of the tube 104 or in sliding engagement therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, seals 128 and 130 which can be O-rings are provided to prevent escape of liquid between the float and tube surfaces when the plunger 102 is moved toward the float 100. If the tolerances between the outer surface 124 and the tube surface 126 are sufficiently small, no seal is required to prevent escape of liquid between the plunger and the tube when the plunger is moved toward the float and when the product is withdrawn.

The plunger has a bottom surface 132 and a fluid escape or snorkel tube 134. When the plunger is moved downward toward the float, the pressure imparted by this bottom surface 132 expresses liquid below the plunger 102 upward through the snorkel tube 134 into the cavity above the plunger.

The plunger is provided with a central channel 136 through which a tube or needle is inserted to remove platelet-rich fluid from the space between the bottom of the plunger and the top of the float.

While this embodiment is illustrated with an outer tube and a float and plunger with matching outer cylindrical shapes, it will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that the outer container can have any internal shape which matches the dimensions of the float and plunger such as a cavity with a square or other polygonal shape combined with a float and plunger with the corresponding outer polygonal shape. The cylindrical configuration is advantageous.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after introduction of anti-coagulated blood 138 into the separation chamber 103 through a tube 140 from a syringe 142.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after centrifugal separation of the blood into erythrocyte 144, plasma 146 and platelet 148 layers. The float 100 has risen to place the platelet collection surface 115 immediately below the level of the platelets 148.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after insertion of a syringe needle 150 of syringe 143 into the central channel 136 of plunger 102.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 after depression of the plunger 102 by pressing the syringe 143 downward, to a level which contacts its lower surface 132 with the stop tip 118 of the float 100. The plasma displaced by the plunger 102 has been expressed through the snorkel tube 134.

Withdrawal of the piston 150 of the syringe 143 draws a platelet-rich mixture from the platelet layer through the channels 122 and 120 (FIG. 9) and upward through tube 150 into the syringe tube 145. The position of the snorkel tube 134 above the liquid level provides for flow of air to fill the space created by removal of the platelet suspension.

FIG. 14 is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, with the addition of an optional port 151. This view shows blood 154 introduced through port 151 from syringe 142, flowing down channel 136 into the separation chamber 103.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plunger-float embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an axially concentric float 160 and plunger 162 are contained within the separation chamber cavity 163 of rigid tube or cylinder 164 with a cap 166. The float has a platelet collection surface 165 which is positioned to be immediately below the layer of platelets in separated blood. The cap 166 has a vent hole 168 for permitting the escape of air from the tube when it blood is added to its interior. It also has a Luer 170 which receives a needle or tube for introducing blood into the separation chamber 163 and another needle or tube for removing fluid containing platelets from closely adjacent the platelet collection surface 165 following centrifugation.

The float 160 has a bottom surface 172 which rests on the bottom 174 of the tube before anti-coagulated blood is introduced into the separator. The upper structure of the float includes a projection 176, the top edge 178 of which acts as a stop to limit downward movement of the plunger 162 during the process. A platelet collection channel 180 in the center of the float communicates with platelet drainage channel 182 extending from the level of the surface 165.

The float 160 has a density less than separated erythrocytes and greater than plasma so that it will float in the erythrocyte layer at a level which places the platelet collection surface 165 immediately below the platelet layer when the blood is separated into its components. For optimum platelet recovery, it is critical that the float rise from the bottom of the tube as the erythrocytes sediment. This requires that the float have a density greater than whole blood.

As the plunger 162 is depressed toward the float 160 after centrifugation, plasma rises through the flexible snorkel tube 188 into the space 186 above the plunger 162. When platelets are removed by a tube extending through the central channel 184 (inserted as shown in FIG. 13), air flows through the tube 188 from its inlet at the top of the tube (above the liquid level) to replace the liquid being removed.

The plunger is shown at its highest level to permit introducing a maximum amount of blood into the separation chamber, the maximum height being limited by the top 190 of the tube 192 abutting the cap 166. This full extension is permitted by the flexibility of the snorkel tube 188.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plunger-float embodiment of the invention after centrifugation and before removal of the platelet layer. In this embodiment, a float 200 is contained within the central cavity 202 of the rigid tube or cylinder 204 with a cap 206. The cap 206 has a vent hole 208 for permitting movement of air into and out of the tube when blood is added or platelets are removed. It includes a port 210 for receiving a needle or tube used for introducing blood into the cylinder and for removing fluid from the cylinder and a port 212 for receiving a syringe needle (not shown) for collecting platelets following centrifugation.

The float 200 has a bottom surface 214 with a projecting spacer 216 which rests on the bottom of the tube before anti-coagulated blood is introduced into the separator. The float rises in the erythrocyte layer during centrifugation. The float 200 has an upper surface 218 which is positioned to be immediately below the layer of platelets in separated blood. The upper structure of the float includes a projection 220 which extends above the platelet or buffy coat layer.

The float 200 has a density less than separated erythrocytes and greater than plasma so that it will float in the erythrocyte layer at a level which places the platelet collection surface 218 immediately below the platelet layer when the blood is separated into its components. For optimum platelet recovery, it is critical that the float rise from the bottom of the tube as the erythrocytes sediment. This requires that the float have a density greater than whole blood.

The “Plungerless plunger” device of FIG. 16 is the simplest and cheapest to manufacture. The user can vary the platelet concentration factor simply by removing more or less platelet poor plasma before resuspending the platelets. It requires more user attention and care to accurately remove the desired amount of platelet poor plasma. The parasol float system of FIG. 1 and the plunger-float system of FIG. 9 provide better reproducibility than the simple float embodiment of FIG. 16.

This invention is further illustrated by the following specific, but non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Parasol Float Device

A parasol design platelet concentrator device of the type depicted in FIG. 1 was constructed. The float was comprised of polyethylene and polycarbonate in such proportion as to have an overall density of 1.06 g/ml. The outer diameter of the float was 2.62 cm and its overall length was 4.57 cm. The float together with two stainless steel balls 0.32 cm in diameter in the platelet receptor cavity was inserted into the sealed end of a flexible silicone rubber tube. The flexible tube had an inner diameter of 2.54 cm, a wall thickness of 0.08 cm, and a sealed distal end. The flexible tube containing the float was housed within a rigid polycarbonate tube with inner diameter of 2.86 cm and length 11.43 cm. The top of the flexible tube was folded over the top of the rigid tube and a cap with a 7.62 cm tube 23 (see FIG. 1) was fitted over the folded top of the flexible tube with tube 23 engaging channel 12.

The device was filled with 30 ml of freshly drawn whole blood anti-coagulated with CPDA-1. The device was centrifuged in an IEC Centra CL2 centrifuge for 30 minutes at 3000 rpm. Following centrifugation the tube was swirled vigorously to resuspend the platelets within the platelet receptor cavity by the agitation induced by the stainless steel balls. Five cc concentrated platelets was removed from the platelet receptor cavity through the platelet extraction tube (23).

Platelet counts were determined as follows: One half cc of this sample was diluted with 10 cc of Isoton II isotonic diluent and centrifuged at 500 g for 1.5 minutes. One half cc of this diluted sample was diluted in yet another 10 cc of Isoton II and particles larger than 3 fl counted on a Coulter Z-1 particle analyzer. This result was compared to the number of particles in a similarly treated sample of whole blood. These small particles from treated samples represent the platelets. The sample of concentrated platelets contained 66% of the platelets present in the introduced whole blood at a concentration 2.86 times that found in the whole blood.

The “Parasol” device shown in FIG. 1 is most difficult and expensive to manufacture, but is easiest to use. The erythrocyte concentration is more variable with this product. This results from different plasma densities, and hematocrit-dependant variability is present in the amount of displacement of fluid by contraction of the elastomeric sleeve during deceleration.

EXAMPLE 2 Plunger-Float Device with Snorkel

A platelet concentrator device of the type depicted FIG. 9 was constructed. The float was comprised of polyethylene and polycarbonate in such proportion as to have an overall density of 1.08 g/ml. The outer diameter of the float was 2.535 cm and its overall length was 1.2 cm. The float was inserted into a rigid polycarbonate tube with an inner diameter of 2.540 cm and length 11.43 cm. The bottom of the rigid tube was sealed.

The device was filled with 25 cc of freshly drawn whole blood anti-coagulated with CPDA-1. The device was centrifuged in an IEC CRU 5000 centrifuge for 15 minutes at 1800 rpm. Following centrifugation the plunger was depressed by inserting a blunt hypodermic needle connected to a 10 cc syringe through the central access port until it collided with the stop on the top of the float. The device was swirled vigorously to resuspend the platelets within the platelet receptor cavity after withdrawing 0.5 cc through the hypodermic needle (platelet extraction tube). An additional 3.5 cc concentrated platelets was removed from the platelet receptor cavity through the hypodermic needle (platelet extraction tube).

One half cc of this sample was diluted with 10 cc of Isoton II isotonic diluent and centrifuged at 500 g for 1.5 minutes. One half cc of this diluted sample was diluted in yet another 10 cc of Isoton II and particles larger than 3 fl counted on a Coulter Z-1 particle analyzer. This result was compared to the number of particles in a similarly treated sample of whole blood. These small particles from treated samples represent the platelets. The sample of concentrated platelets contained 69% of the platelets present in the introduced whole blood at a concentration 4.30 times that found in the whole blood.

The “Plunger” device shown in FIG. 9 has advantage of being cheap to manufacture and having less variability in percent erythrocytes in the product. The plunger-float combination provides a greater concentration factor because the volume between plunger and float can be smaller and still accommodate the entire range of plasma densities while keeping the level of the buffy coat within the gap. Erythrocyte contamination is independent of hematocrit.

EXAMPLE 3 Plunger-Float Device without Snorkel

A platelet concentrator device of the type depicted in FIG. 9 was constructed, except without the snorkel tube so that the only fluid communication between the space below the plunger and the space above the plunger was through a platelet receptor cavity. The float was comprised of polyethylene and polycarbonate in such proportion as to have an overall density of 1.08 g/ml. The outer diameter of the float was 2.535 cm and its overall length was 1.2 cm. The float was inserted into a rigid polycarbonate tube with an inner diameter of 2.540 cm and length 11.43 cm. The bottom of the rigid tube was sealed.

The device was filled with 25 cc of freshly drawn whole blood anti-coagulated with CPDA-1. The device was centrifuged in an IEC CRU 5000 centrifuge for 15 minutes at 1800 rpm. Following centrifugation, the plunger was depressed by inserting a blunt hypodermic needle connected to a 10 cc syringe through the central access port and pressing down on the body of the syringe until it collided with the stop on the top of the float. As the syringe body was depressed, platelet poor plasma collected in it. The syringe containing platelet poor plasma was removed and a second syringe was attached to the needle. The device was swirled vigorously to resuspend the platelets within the platelet receptor cavity after withdrawing 0.5 cc through the hypodermic needle (platelet extraction tube). An additional 3.5 cc concentrated platelets was removed from the platelet receptor cavity through the hypodermic needle (platelet extraction tube).

One half cc of this sample was diluted with 10 cc of Isoton II isotonic diluent and centrifuged at 500 g for 1.5 minutes. One half cc of this diluted sample was diluted in yet another 10 cc of Isoton II and particles larger than 3 fl counted on a Coulter Z-1 particle analyzer. This result was compared to the number of particles in a similarly treated sample of whole blood. These small particles from treated samples represent the platelets. The sample of concentrated platelets contained 74% of the platelets present in the introduced whole blood at a concentration 4.61 times that found in the whole blood. Since this concentration is much larger and the concentration of platements in the erythrocyte layer is much lower than obtained with simple centrifugation under comparable conditions without the float, it is clear that the flow of erythrocyte suspension between the walls of the float and the tube during centrifugation gently disrupts the erythrocytes and releases entrapped platelets, allowing them to collect in the platelet or buffy-coat layer.

With the “Plunger” device without snorkel used in this example, the platelet poor plasma is collected in a syringe during depression of the plunger. This provides all the advantages of “standard” plunger device plus providing platelet poor plasma in syringe for anyone who might want to use it, for example, as a hemostat.

Various alternative configurations of the device are possible within the context of the present invention. For example, the two cones which comprise the buoy can be replaced by funnels or by cones possessing concavities that communicate between the various compartments and conduct sedimenting cells between compartments during sedimentation. Complete fluid isolation of the various compartments is not essential, provided any openings between compartments are sufficiently small as to prevent substantial mixing of the fractions during handling and resuspension and withdrawal of the buffy coat. Means can be provided for recovery of platelet depleted plasma and erythrocytes if desired. The tube and the channel through which blood is introduced and the buffy coat is withdrawn need not be concentric or rigid. The elastomeric sleeve can be replaced by a compressible material, e.g., foam, provided the inner surface which contacts blood is smooth and does not trap or activate platelets. 

1. A method for collecting platelets from a patient's blood for application to the patient in a medical treatment, comprising: providing a container having a sidewall, a bottom, and a top portion defining a volume; positioning a float within the volume at a first axial position; placing the patient's blood in the volume; moving the float within the volume and through the patient's blood; collecting at least a portion of an erythrocyte volume of the patient's blood; forming a thin layer of the erythrocytes on a surface of the float; sedimenting platelets on the thin layer of erythrocytes formed on the surface of the float; moving a plunger relative to the float; and withdrawing the platelets from the sedimented platelets between the float and the plunger; wherein forming the thin layer of erythrocytes includes positioning the surface below a platelet layer.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: defining a collection area including: providing an outer rim of the float having a first height; and providing a top wall of the float defining a depressed center having a point below the first height of the outer rim.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: providing an extraction passage defined by the float; and extracting the platelets through the extraction passage; wherein the extraction passage is in communication with the collection area.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: interconnecting a needle with the extraction passage.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a float of only polyethylene and polycarbonate.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a float of only a substantially rigid material; and fixing the float at a selected position within the provided container in the absence of the force.
 7. A method for collecting platelets from a patient's blood for application to the patient in a medical treatment, comprising: providing a container; positioning the patient's blood in the container; positioning a float in the container, wherein the float is positioned near a distal end of the container between the patient's blood in the container and a bottom wall of the container; subjecting the container, the float, and the patient's blood to centrifugal forces substantially toward the bottom wall of the container; moving the float through the patient's blood as it is centrifuged; forming a platelet layer near the float; moving a plunger relative to the float; and withdrawing the platelets from the platelet layer from between the float and the plunger.
 8. The method of claim7, further comprising: forming a first layer of a portion of the patient's blood directly on a support surface of the float; and forming the platelet layer on the first layer.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein a support surface defines at least a portion of a platelet collection surface.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: moving the platelet collection surface immediately below the platelet layer.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising: defining a collection area including: providing an outer rim of the float having a first height; and providing a top wall of the float defining a depressed center having a point below the first height of the outer rim.
 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising: providing a float of only a substantially rigid material; and fixing the float at a selected position within the provided container in the absence of the force.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: engaging the float with a flexible tube positioned in the container.
 14. The method of claim 7, wherein the float includes a first portion and a second portion and the collection area is defined between the first portion and the second portion. 